Free Falling....
 

Hi all! I'm new to the forum and desperately am looking for someone...anyone with the same issue I am having.

In 2009 I had 4 herniations (size of quarters?? :eek:) on my L5/S1 disc. I hadn't been able to sit/stand or walk for 9 weeks before my surgery due to the sciatica being so intense. I then had a microdiscectomy in Jan 2010 and had to work myself until the limp in my right leg finally went away in July that year. I've had issues since...mostly weird pains, etc..never really quite felt 'strong' again.

Fast Forward to October 2013. My knees started just buckling from out of nowhere but I could catch myself. By Spring 2014, after Decadron then spinal injections...this 'issue' ramped up to being a SHARP shooting pain in the lumbar which comes out of nowhere...then I fall to the floor because my spazzed out muscles just give way. After a minute, I'm okay to stand again.

Additional info: I have DDD, Osteoarthritis in Lumbar and cervical. C-6 currently has both herniations as well as osteophytes impinging the nerves. Seeing my Neuro next week to see the MRI and find out next steps.

Has anyone experienced this or seen this documented anywhere? They are pushing me to have a L5/S1 fusion...but I won't agree until I can be sure that would fix the issue.

Anyone?? Bueller....Bueller..... :)

Welcome MissGiggles. :Wave-Hello:

I am a little confused. Not sure exactly what you are being told will be accomplished with a fusion, as well as the issue you are expecting to be fixed. Also, who is pushing you to have the fusion and why?

About 8 years ago had fusion/laminectomy L4-5. The surgeon who performed my surgery said he had never seen such a red angry nerve. The compression, as well as having spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spine) was the worst at that same area. I still have spinal pain; but the pain I had originally experienced by the compression was greatly reduced.

Not sure what would have been the end result if I had not had my surgery done because the fusion eliminated most of the compression of the nerve in that area, plus the pain in that area was unbearable and I could not have continued to endure for much longer without doing the fusion. I have since developed peripheral neuropathy which is continuing to add to the pain in legs and feet, as well as spinal pain. I am far from pain free.

Again, not sure what you are expecting a fusion to fix or whether anyone can give you any guarantees.

Gerry

hi
just a reminder
please no rushing anything
keep a log about everything
no one can make you do anything
blessings

Fusion
 

My spinal surgeon(who operated on my L5/S1 in 2010) said I needed a fusion this past summer to fix 'it'. I then went to a Neurosurgeon for a second opinion, who within 10 minutes of looking at the MRI, said the same but disagreed on how to perform the operation. Both Drs are highly regarded here in Charlotte NC so I know I'm not dealing with quacks. My issue is that nothing has been explained to me as to why its occurring. The only thing I have been able to find online is Facet Joint Syndrome. My L5/S1 disc has gone black on the MRI and I have lost about 1/2 the spacing between those vertebrae.

I see my Neuro again on Tuesday to review my lumbar issues as well as my cervical MRI. I am quite prepared with a listing of questions for him. LOL!

My issue with timing though...is that I was on STD in the spring then put back to work in June since I wouldn't have the fusion surgery. I had to quite my job because I just couldn't do it physically. At this point...by April...we'll be totally broke and will have to sell our house.

Please keep us up to date.
So sorry to learn of the financial difficulties you are having to deal with. That certainly adds to the stress.


Gerry

Update
 

Next attempt to 'fix' me will be facet joint injections then a possible Facet Rhizotomy. This will occur next week. Meanwhile...from being at the doctor's office, then at a cushy booth during lunch...I now cannot walk with any stability in my lower back. i just want to be 'normal' again!

It's worth trying the injections. Hopefully these will give you some relief.

Have you tried using a cane? It really helps relieve some of the pressure; possibly lessening the pain.

Again, would appreciate keeping us informed.


Gerry

Getting sooooo frustrated...
 

Neuro is sending me to another doctor for facet joint injections. I am getting quite frustrated because my symptoms are nothing like what I read about facet joint syndrome. This has been going on for 15 months and I just feel like an un-listened to guinea pig!

1) My lower back muscles are always tight...even after massage
2) I have no nerve pain at all...I'm just always uncomfortable due to the tightness of the muscles
3) While riding in a car or sitting in a chair that isn't a straight up/hard chair I'm 100% fine
4) Walking feels GREAT
5) I have inflammation in my lower back and hips, but only realize it when someone pushes on me

Yesterday morning, I went to the Dr, then straight to lunch and sat in a cushy booth. Walked around the corridors of the mall for 15 mins. Had to stand for 20 mins at the Apple store. (rocking back and forth to help the tight muscle pain) Came home and then couldn't walk due to my muscles just 'dropping' me to the ground.

Does anyone think this could be facet joint syndrome? I don't know whether to call my neuro...or the new dr or what. I just feel they are sending me down the wrong road and I am totally not for putting more shots in my back that are uncalled for. The spinal shots i received last spring only made my condition worse.

The facet joint injections usually to a few days to feel the full effects which would be the lessening of inflammation. If they help, it would give you some idea as to what is causing your pain. This would give a better idea what joints are involved as well.

Sometimes they can be helpful with lessening the pain for a few months because of the pain meds injected. The pain relief is usually temporary; but still many people will get them 2-3 times a year.

As far as your sitting in a booth; I have been forced to give up my "love" of a booth when going to a restaurant. The softness of the booth seating seems to dip the spine and causes too much pain. I now ask to be seated at a table with chairs. If chairs aren't padded, my husband gets the cushion I have in the trunk to make chair more comfortable; but booth cushion seating has been a "no no" for me for quite some time. That may also not be too good for you as well.

Dealing with lumbar pain can be cause for so many reasons which can be very frustrating when sorting different issues.


Gerry

Booths
 

Actually, sitting in a cushy booth is a good thing for me. If I am in a chair that makes me sit straight up, my back muscles then lock up. Also, the herniation and bone spur at my C-7 level will begin radiating pain down my arm if I'm in a hard chair...even with a cushion added.

Since I don't lean back; the back of a restaurant chair or dinner table chair is not a problem for me. I use my elbows to lift the pressure off my spine so I am leaning somewhat forward. I also have a foot rest to raise my feet so the back of my legs are not having a lot of pressure on them. I have a foot rest at home and one in the car to put under the table at a restaurant.

I only post to you what I do just in case something I write might be of some help to you. I have dealt with all this for many years. Wish I could be of more help.



Gerry

Article
 

Leaning back helps to alleviate the stress on what remains of my L5/S1 disc. If I can't lean back, then I like you, have to lean on my arms for support.

ABC news article (I'm not allowed to post links yet)
"It turns out sitting up stick-straight is bad for the back, researchers say.

Your back is best off in a reclining position, which takes pressure off the spinal disks in the lower back, compared to the upright posture that most people consider normal, according to new research presented today at the annual meeting of the Radiological Society of North America."

I was in a severe car wreck at age 17 and am now 43. I've had issues with sitting up straight ever since then. If I tried to drive over an hour, my back would always lock up...turn hot...and when I exited the car I would have to walk a few steps to even stand up straight. In hindsight, I guess that is when the L5/S1 issues really began.

I appreciate your help and am thankful to anyone who will listen and try to provide support. :)